NEXT GENERATION, Women Entrepreneurs
DRUM ROLLLL PLEASE..... This year's 2018 Class of Whitney's Women Entrepreneurs goes to ladies who are making their mark on the next generation. Each year we pick a group of women in business to feature on our show. This year our leading ladies are using their platform to help to help others.
Our first guests created a getaway rehab center for those struggling addiction. On the show this mother/ daughter team walk us through their rock-bottom moments that lit the way for their future path. Their stories are tough, but also a testament that we can channel even difficult situation to help others.
Shades of Hope
The show is stacked with story after story of women using their power for the greater good. From the Katy Lynch the co-founder of kids coding facility to Chelsea Handler using her clout to change the world, these interviews will walk you through using your gifts and talents to better the next generation.
We end the show with a psychotherapist Kelley Kitley who's difficult past lead her to her field of helping others. She walks us through the shift we all can make to use whatever business or skills we have to better this world. Chicagoland tune in Monday 4/23 to Lakeshore PBS at 6:30 PM and The Quad Cities, Thursday at 7:30 PM on WQPT. WATCH NATIONWIDE, Friday www.whitneyreynolds.com
SEASON PREMIER: Life Turnaround, Pastor Jolinda Wade
Our season premier of The Whitney Reynolds Show is one that will remind you no matter what your circumstance looks like today, there's always time for your TURNAROUND! Meet Pastor Jolinda Wade, a woman who was addicted to drugs, homeless and found herself behind bars. It was when she was locked away that God spoke to her and she found hope.
Make sure to tune in to our season premier March 26th at 6:30 PM on Lakeshore PBS. For a full schedule of our PBS program in your area, visit our MARKET FINDER.
Our show is one that's made it our mission to enlighten viewers on subjects like today's. There are so many issues in our world that must be heard. Thank you for being a listening ear.
Ending Fall Season With Mental Health
As we finish up our 2016 fall season, we are ending with a topic that EVERYONE watching is impacted by in some capacity. We are talking mental health.
With about 57.7 million people aged 18 and over suffering from a mental disorder each year in the United States alone, this health issue is one to take very serious. When you think of health we tend to go straight to our physical health however, as we learn it's vital to prioritize our mental health too. With numbers on the rise it's crucial that people receive the help they need. This week on The Whitney Reynolds Show we explore some of the options that are available out there and hear from real people opening up about the hope they've found.
No Shame on You
Dr. Scott Langenecker, is the Director of Cognitive Neuroscience and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His research focuses on mood disorders across one's lifespan. Specifically, he is involved in studies to understand the abnormalities observed in depression and bipolar disorder. His research has resulted in translational neuropsychological measures that can be administered in clinical settings. He talks about how he offers assistance in treatment, educational, and occupational plans to the adolescent and their families.
Next we talk with Mike Bushman, author of Suicide Escape, a memoir exploring teen depression. Mike also mentors at 360 Youth Services and volunteers for mental health groups. Hear what he has to say about mental illness and the role he plays in prevention and treatment.
We also speak with Miriam Ament, Executive Director of No Shame on U, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma associated with mental health. After suffering from depression herself and encountering stigma and isolation from many friends and family members, Miriam founded this organization.
Veterans have served our country and now it is time to offer them our support. Hear Veteran Justin Orick speak of his challenges with mental illness upon returning from war and how he has learned to adjust to life back home. Many veterans face the same problem as Justin and it is substantial that they or anyone who knows a veteran hear his story.
Justin Orick
A big THANKS to our guests for trusting us with their stories this season. To recap these shows visit www.whitneyreynolds.com and be sure to tune in tonight, November 21st at 6:30 on Lakeshore Public Television for Mental Health.
SPONSORS THIS SEASON- Volvo, Volvo Oak Park, American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, Respiratory Health Association, Pearls Southern Comfort, Whiting Law Group & Modern Classics Furniture. THANK YOU for supporting women in business!
Adding An Additional Title To My Bio
Well it's official! This week I will be adding an additional title to my bio... TWIN MOM!
As a kid I always dreamed of being a talk show host, yet also had the desire to one day be a mother. I am so thankful we live in a time, where I can do both! Having started my show at 23 years old, I feel most of my viewers have grown up with me. You've seen me through going from online to prime time, getting married, our first Emmy Nomination and now twins! I could not be more thankful for my support group... YOU!
This blog is an exclusive look at my journey to motherhood and the questions I've been asked along the way.
Photo: Andrea Plecko, Chicago Andrea Creative/ Hair: Kristen LaMorte, Robert Jeffrey Salon Wicker Park/ Makeup: Lillian Toma, Starlight.
FAQ-
- Twins, do they run in your family? YES- my maternal grandfather's mother was a twin, my maternal grandmother was a twin and my paternal grandmother had twins. #DESTINED
- Fraternal or Identical? We are having fraternal boy/girl twins
- Biggest Struggle With Pregnancy? The first trimester you just hope and pray all is well. Pregnancy is a true test of faith.
- When did you know you were pregnant? Right before the holidays. We found out with twins, after the New Year.
- City or Burb family? We are staying in the city! Last year we bought a house in Lakeview and decided to plant our roots in the city.
- Twin Names? Boy- David Acheson Heiner III "Acher" and Marlowe McKinley Heiner.
- Maternity Leave? I will be taking a few months off in between seasons.
- Nursery Theme? Noah's Ark "And Two By Two They Came."
- Biggest Craving? Starbucks Bacon Gouda! I've had it every morning for 9 months
- Best Parenting Advice? It will all be okay!
- Mommy Van or SUV? I guess you could say a mix... The Volvo V60, Station Wagon
These last nine months have grown me immensely (In more ways than one LOL) and I look forward to what this week brings. Thank you again for all the encouragement and support. The best is truly yet to come.
To stay up to date with our journey follow us: TWITTER- @WhitneyReynolds/ INSTAGRAM- @Whitney_Reynolds/ FACEBOOK @Whitney Reynolds- The Whitney Reynolds Show on PBS.
A Life Story- Black Lives Matter
Meet Dr. Reverend Wayne Gordon. This outstanding man and his wife have exchanged comfort for making their mark in a community that desperately needs help. Their amazing journey to helping thousands in a dangerous neighborhood in Chicago started years ago and it's not over yet. Watch as we talk through why black lives matter, gun violence and the desperate need for change. He's one that's not sitting on the sidelines and just weighing in on these tough issues, he's actually in the thick of it. He is a true example of, "Being the change you want to see."
His story is one that leave you motivated and ready for change. Chicagoland make sure to tune in Monday May 16th at 6:30 PM to Lakeshore PBS.
As you know if you've followed our show over the seasons, we are dedicated to tough topics. All the issues we feature are real life stories that must be heard. If you have show idea or topic close to heart let us know by clicking the "Contact Us Page."
Women Entrepreneurs- Class Of 2016
The Whitney Reynolds Show presents our 2016 Class of WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS! This is a yearly show we do FOR WOMEN, WITH WOMEN & ABOUT WOMEN! We love featuring new talent, infamous faces and outstanding ideas. This year's lineup includes-
- PBS President and CEO- Paula Kerger
- Former Playboy Bunny and Tribune Contributor- Candace Jordan
- A Drink With Founder- Hillary Sawchuk
- Famous Chef, Author and Entrepreneur- Lidia Bastianich
- The Windy City Blogger Collective
Each of these ladies opens up about their struggles, victories and unique path to success. Make sure to tune in to Lakeshore PBS Monday at 6:30 to hear their stories.
Paula Kerger
Candace Jordan
Hillary Sawchuk
Lidia Bastianich
Windy City Blogger Collective
If you think you have what it takes to make next year's class- CLICK THE CONTACT US!
Kicking Off Season 6 with Sex Trafficking
It is such an honor to be entering another season. It's hard to believe this is our 6th season on PBS. We start airing here in Chicago, Monday April 25th on Lakeshore PBS at 6:30 PM and in our second market on WQPT, The Quad Cities in June.
Since we launched on PBS back in 2013 we have been a show dedicated to provoking positive change through tough topics. We want to talk about issues that other programs don't talk about or stay away from. The truth is each topic we present is a real issue that you or someone you know has or will go through. Even though it can be tough to hear, we always leave the viewers with hope and solutions.
With that being said, we are kicking off Season 6 with "Sex Trafficking." This topic might seem out there for you, but what would you think if I told you, this could be happening in your own backyard. The truth is- Sex Trafficking is happening everywhere and it's time you know the facts.
Commander William Leen with The Cook County Sheriff's Police Department (picture above) explains the different forms it comes in. He also informs us on how social media is changing the scope of this crime.
Our lineup includes Pilar Dunning with "The Salvation Army's Stop It" Program, Caleb Probst with CAASE and Chris Baker from Ink 180. Every guests has a unique story that I can't wait for you to hear. Sex Trafficking comes in many forms and it's time we know how we can help stop this issue.
If you or someone you know is dealing with this issue CLICK THE CONTACT US PAGE and we will connect you with people to help.
Don't forget to watch EVERY Monday night on Lakeshore PBS at 6:30. Our season includes-
- Sex Trafficking
- Life and Laughter
- Women Entrepreneurs
- Open Adoption
- Coaching Off The Court
- Following You Intuition
The Emmy Awards and our NEW SEASON
Whitney Reynolds and Dave Heiner
Last weekend was a complete fairytale. For the first time in my show's history we were nominated for an Emmy. This was not only my first Award's Show, but I also got asked to present. I walked the red carpet with my team, family and even with my fans LIVE via Periscope (FOLLOW @WhitneyReynolds). This picture above is one of those moments, I will talk about for years to come. No we did not win, but that's not my end all goal. MY MISSION- is to change lives, provoke positive change and help others, through our television program. Now that's what we will ALWAYS continue to do. I am however looking forward to many more nights like this one in the coming years.
BIG THANKS- to all the prep work that went in to my night! The good news is they are local for everyone who lives in Chicago and also online for everyone else. DRESS- Borris Powell, SHOES- Emy Mack, JEWELS- Accessory Mercado, MAKEUP- Starlight Makeup, HAIR- Robert Jeffrey Hair Studio, AIR BRUSH- Celebrity Skin, NAILS- Dynamic Salon! Love that all these folks have believed in me for multiple years and continue to support the show.
SEASON 5
We are officially in week 3 of our fall season. Coming up tonight we are talking "Perinatal Loss." This show is beyond real. I am so thankful for our brave guests who came on and were honest about their personal journey. I had to take a break to just catch my breath. This topic will hit to the core. I know ANYONE reading this blog knows someone that has miscarried or had complication with their pregnancy. The stats of people impacted by this topic are off the chart and we hope tonight's show helps change the stigma around talking about it.
Still to come this season we have-
- The Plus Size Movement
- Suicide Prevention
- Rising To The Top
- A Life Story
REMEMBER- With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this is a great time to reflect on everything in your life to be THANKFUL for. We are surrounded by daily blessings, but sometimes we are too busy to see them. A grateful heart is a beautiful heart!
I want you to know how thankful I am for each of you! Your support and viewership is the reason we keep growing and reaching more people!
What's Your Story
Whitney Reynolds- Hello 6th PBS Season!
I’ve been very nostalgic recently here at the Whitney Reynolds Show and have gone through some of my past episodes. I wanted to highlight a few inspirational stories that I believe everybody could benefit from past seasons. ENJOY!
In our first PBS season we did a show "Second Chances." On this episode we sat down with we Danni Allen, Season 14 winner of the hit TV series "The Biggest Loser", about her second chance with her health. After witnessing her father struggle with his health, and almost lose his life, she decided that she needed to make a change. After auditioning for, and ultimately winning, the Biggest Loser she was given a second chance to live her life to the fullest. This episode taught us when life is generous enough to give us a second chance we need to take advantage of it!
UPDATE: We recently caught up with Danni and she still has the same mindset and even more excited about what's ahead!
Our "No Limits" episode focused on different individuals who didn’t let their circumstances get in the way of achieving their dreams. I was fortunate enough to sit down with an incredible young woman named Mary Kate Callahan. Mary Kate was paralyzed from the waist down at only 5 ½ months old. But she didn’t let that stop her from doing what she loved. As a high school swimmer the only thing in her way from the State Championships was the lack of a policy to include swimmers with disabilities. But once again she refused to give up. She teamed up with lawyers and fought the system until finally during her senior year of high school she was able to compete at the Illinois Swimming State Championship. This just goes to show you that no matter what roadblock is in your way you can’t let it stop you from being all that you can be.
In the show’s second season we talked about the Youth of Our Future. Violence amongst teens, especially in the Chicagoland area, is stealing the lives of the next generation. But this doesn’t mean we have to stand by and watch it happen. I spoke to David Diaz, WBC World Lightweight Champion, about his after-school program where he teaches kids how to box. Coming from a background of boxing he uses his talent to keep kids out of violence. Through boxing he is able to teach kids discipline and turning their aggression into positive energy. It’s people like David who are changing the lives of everyone around them by simply taking a stand for what they believe in.
Next I took a look at one of our recent episodes, "Be the Change." We live in a world where corruption is stealing away the joy and love throughout the world. But we don’t have to just sit by and let it happen. We can be courageous and take a stand for what we believe is right. Our social sizzle for this episode was the founders of the Kind Campaign: Molly Thompson and Lauren Paul. Through witnessing and experiencing girl on girl crime they took it upon themselves to educate young girls across the US and Canada about the harmful effects of girl on girl crime. They have taught thousands of young girls that kindness is the only option.
Finally, in our Survivor episode I was able to sit down with Jaspen Boothe. Her story was one of the most inspiring of them all. Jaspen is a Veteran who not only survived Hurricane Katrina but also cancer. However, this is not even the most incredible part about her. After bad treatment by the VA she decided that she wasn’t going to allow future veterans to be treated the way she was. She started an organization called Final Salute that provides homeless women veterans and their families with safe and suitable housing. Her organization has now raised over $650,000 for female veterans. After hearing this story I never want to complain about my life being hard ever again! But it also has showed me that with the right mindset, strong will, and faith you can survive anything.
Going through these episodes have me feeling so inspired and empowered! I love hearing all of your stories. So I want to encourage all of you, my incredible viewers, to write the show and tell me about your journey. You never know how something that changed your life, could help others! Go to our contact page now and get to typing! <3